Saskatchewan’s living wage movement continues to grow as 10th employer joins the campaign

Living Wage YXE is proud to announce that Diamond North Credit Union is Saskatchewan’s newest Living Wage Employer. Diamond North is the province’s tenth Living Wage Employer, and joins a rapidly growing community of businesses who have committed to improving the health of our neighbourhoods.

Diamond North worked with Chuk Plante, a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Saskatchewan, to calculate Nipawin’s local living wage. The living wage represents how much it costs a family of four to live in their community. It includes necessities like food, shelter, and child care. In Nipawin, the living wage for 2017/2018 is $15.17.

Certifying as a Living Wage Employer means Diamond North has committed to providing a living wage to all their full-time, part-time, and contract employees. It means their employees will not have to make hard choices between rent, healthy food, and school supplies for their children. Providing a living wage means healthier families, and reduced costs for our healthcare system.

“Diamond North Credit Union is a strong supporter of providing fair and reasonable wages to our employees. Becoming a Living Wage Employer allows us to show our communities that we are committed to the financial success of our employees and their families,” says Cris Richer, Manager of Human Resources at Diamond North.

“Full-time employment is one way to escape poverty, but not if it provides a poverty wage,” says Living Wage YXE coordinator Cody Sharpe.

“Poverty costs Saskatchewan $3.8 billion dollars a year in increased healthcare costs and lower government revenues. Employers can help eliminate these costs and build a prosperous society by providing a living wage.”

Living Wage YXE is ready to work with employers across the province who want to learn about the business case behind paying a living wage.